The 31-year-old made his comeback from injury in Saturday's 2-0 triumph over Port Vale, which came thanks to goals from Marcello Trotta and Will Grigg.

O'Connor, whose current contract expires at the end of this season, has endured an injury-plagued last couple of campaigns, but comfortably slotted in at centre back for his latest return to the side in place of the injured Harlee Dean.

The former trainee is nearing his 500th appearance for the club and Warburton is treating the situation with kid gloves for the time being.

"Kevin and I talk and Kev talks to the club," he said on Saturday.

"He has been here a long time now and we value him very highly.

"But it's important at Kev's age that the right things are done for him and he knows what we think and want to do and we'll keep on talking."